A DOG who was found “very underweight” and straying in Rhyl has been adopted by a couple in Staffordshire after making remarkable progress.
Bobby, a bull breed, was found by a member of the public in the Princes Street/Elwy Street area of Rhyl on New Year’s Eve in 2023.
He was then taken to Prospect House Veterinary Clinic and Hospital in Colwyn Bay, before his care was passed on to North Clwyd Animal Rescue and K999 dog behaviourist services.
After months of help from Adam Hobbs, dog behaviourist from K999, Bobby was put up for adoption, and has found a new home in Cannock with couple Simon and Sarah Powell.
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They also took in Major, a rescue dog, from the RSCPA a year ago, and wanted to help Bobby after reading about his plight.
Sarah said: “I was just disgusted by what I saw and read about Bobby; I couldn’t believe someone would let a dog get into that state.
“I found it really upsetting; I couldn’t get it out of my head for weeks.
“I just followed his story from there, and when he was put up for adoption, I applied – we had a zoom call with Adam, who also met Major virtually. We thought Bobby would be a really good influence on him, too.”
After meeting up with Adam the weekend after this Zoom call, Sarah and Simon kept Bobby for a couple of weeks before signing the adoption papers to keep him permanently last weekend.
She was also full of praise for the months of work Adam put in to building Bobby’s strength back up.
Bobby had minor bite wounds, scratches and bald patches when he was first found on New Year's Eve, and weighed just 15kg.
Sarah added: “He’s done really well, bless him. He’s really settled in.
“Major’s normally really territorial, but there were no issues whatsoever when Adam first brought Bobby to our house.
“I was concerned that Major wouldn’t take to him, but that hasn’t been the case at all. It’s been perfect, and Bobby absolutely adores him.
“Adam has done such an amazing job with him. He’s really well-behaved and is an absolute joy. He’s so excited to see you all the time.
“You can’t believe he’s the same dog as in that initial picture. He weighs 24kg now, he’s quite sturdy, and his tail’s always wagging.”
Adam Hobbs, dog behaviourist from K999, added: "I’ve been fostering rescue dogs for over a decade, from puppies, to dogs with health issues, to dogs with behavioural issues, and every now and again a foster dog comes in which gets to you.
"Bobby was in such a horrific physical condition, which wasn’t far from life-threatening.
"Clearly, he had been through some serious trauma, yet with only the merest hint of calm, compassion and care, his positive nature shone through.
"He was so trusting from the start that helping him grow, learn and progress was just a joyful experience.
"With each step we took with his education, he was willing to accept everything and move on to the next lesson.
"He looked up at you with his big smile, huge eyes and with that tail that never stopped wagging as if to ask: 'What’s next then, dad?'.
"Every day ended up with cuddles on the couch. His physical improvement was very carefully managed but his progress was unbelievable.
"His confidence grew as his strength and stamina improved meaning we could progress his socialisation faster than I’d expected.
"He was great with the physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, both very new experiences, which also increased his incredible recovery rate.
"Bobby was with me for around four months and became a really fun dog to have around; my two dogs loved him!
"Although I knew I wasn’t the best home for him, finding that perfect home proved challenging with several options falling short of what he needed.
"Fortunately, a fantastic family came forward with a big lovable rescue Bulldog and it seemed perfect.
"After some discussions, visits and a really successful home trial Bobby found himself the perfect forever home.
"It was difficult slipping away after dropping him off and driving home with an empty car, but knowing he is going to now live his best life made all the time, effort, emotion, dedication and worry completely worth it.
"It's fantastic to know his dark days are well and truly behind him and from now on, every day will be a perfect day."
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